Entry-Level Planner

We are seeking a collaborative and creative entry-level planner.

‍Are you looking for an exciting place that is helping communities to transform themselves? Do you want to change the world one community at a time? Do you want to work on projects that use innovative planning and design solutions to improve the physical, social, environmental, and economic health of a neighborhood, downtown, community, or region? Do you want to work in an environment that places a high value on collaboration with other planners, designers, civil engineers, economists, and other leaders?

‍If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team.

‍We are currently seeking an entry-level project planner with 0-3 years of professional planning experience. This position will work closely with other planning staff on a variety of project assignments including collecting and organizing project background information for use in reports, computer rendering of maps and drawings, site visits, data collection, participation in public outreach and community engagement methods, writing, and preparing presentations and documents for clients. We’re seeking a planner who will collaborate with professional planners, landscape architects, urban designers, and civil engineers in a project team setting, on a range of complex, multi-disciplinary projects. This position provides an opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of responsibilities required of a professional planner and presents an opportunity for advancement to a project manager at the firm. This position requires strong technical and organizational skills, excellent customer service support and rapport with clients, and application of energy and creativity to innovative and unique projects.

About REA

REA (Rundell Ernstberger Associates) is an interdisciplinary urban design, planning, and landscape architecture firm with a history of over 40 years providing innovative planning and design. We’re committed to making our world a better place. That starts with celebrating the unique identity, culture, and history of each community. We make space for connections, for building new relationships and deeper engagement – and for improving the health of people and the planet. Our work reflects who we are and what our communities can become.

‍ A day in the life of an Entry-level Planner at REA : Collaborative. Independent. Steward. Focused. Idealistic.

‍As an Entry-Level Planner, you will assist the project manager and project team in support of management and completion of multiple projects of varying size and complexity, primarily in the State of Indiana and surrounding region.  The work entails working closely with the project team to research various aspects of a project, develop maps, graphics, and working papers; assisting with development of presentations and presentation boards, conducting in-person and online public engagement, and assisting with writing and development of concepts for deliverables for the client.  You are exposed to the various aspects of the business by providing support to many different project teams at REA.

‍Our planning group works on a wide range of projects, at a variety of scales, not only in the Midwest, but also across the Country. Our award-winning work includes comprehensive plans, neighborhood plans, ordinances, transportation and corridor plans, economic development plans, (re)development master plans, downtown plans, innovation districts, and everything in between. We are known for our strong approach to equitable planning and inclusive community engagement. The planning group works closely with the urban design and landscape architecture practices within the firm.

‍We believe in developing realistic plans that are implementable and achievable for our clients. We believe that interdisciplinary collaboration advances our work and the communities we serve. Our planning, urban design, and landscape architecture practices work together on each planning project to strongly incorporate both design and policy into every plan we create. Our community engagement techniques are on the forefront of the profession. While we often partner with consultants, we typically lead engagement efforts in-house with our team. We employ a variety of software platforms, including ArcGIS Pro mapping software, 3D Spatial Analyst, and Community Analyst, and other innovative engagement platforms. We work closely with our clients and are frequently meeting in their communities. Regular day travel and evening meetings are required as well as limited overnight trips.

Qualifications / Skills Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, or related field from an accredited program
• 0 to 3 years of experience in the planning field
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office programs(Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, and Google Sketchup
• Knowledge of AutoCAD is a plus
• Demonstrated commitment to planning and improving local communities
• Broad knowledge base in planning and urban design, along with specific knowledge and / or interest in policy, land use, site analysis, and zoning which are essential components of REA's work
• An interest in becoming an AICP Candidate or Certified Planner is preferred
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

What We Offer

‍‍ How to Apply

If you would like to be considered as a potential candidate for this position, please submit a cover letter stating your interest and qualifications, a resume, a portfolio showcasing your technical and writing skills, and contact information for three references; all materials should be in PDF format and the total size of all files should not exceed 20 MB. REA is committed to diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. We encourage those from underrepresented communities (women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and those with disabilities) to apply. REA is an equal opportunity employer(EO / AA / VEV / Disabled employer).